More Than 2,200 Turn Out for REBNY’s 116th Annual Banquet

More Than 2,200 Turn Out for REBNY’s 116th Annual Banquet

Networking, Dealmaking, Awards

Were Among Event’s Highlights

MANHATTAN — More than 2,200 industry professionals, including many from Brooklyn, turned out for the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) 116th Annual Banquet held at the New York Hilton last Thursday — 200 more guests than last year, officials say.

REBNY’s annual banquet celebrated 2011’s accomplishments and rang in 2012 for another exciting year in real estate, according to REBNY President Steven Spinola, who said it’s been touted as the industry’s most important networking event for the exchanging business cards and making deals.

“I am always amazed by the turnout of this event,” said REBNY President Steven Spinola. “I continue to be impressed by the outstanding achievements the leaders in our industry make each year. Their success defines the industry’s great mix of competition and camaraderie. I praise this year’s honorees and look forward to seeing what next year will bring.”

This year’s award winners included

• Douglas Durst, chair of The Durst Organization, who received The Bernard H. Mendik Lifetime Leadership in Real Estate Award.

• Howard Rubenstein, president of Rubenstein Associates Inc., who received The Harry B. Helmsley Distinguished New Yorker Award.

• Simon Ziff, president of The Ackman-Ziff Real Estate Group LLC, who received The Louis Smadbeck Broker Recognition Award.

• Gerard Schumm, executive vice president of RFR Realty LLC, who received The George M. Brooker Management Executive of the Year Award.

• Pamela Liebman, president and CEO of The Corcoran Group, who received The Kenneth R. Gerrety Humanitarian Award.

• David Green, executive director of Cushman & Wakefield, who received The Young Real Estate Man of the Year Award.

In addition to REBNY members and guests, public officials in attendance included Mayor Michael Bloomberg, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, city Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, and former city Comptroller and Board of Education President William Thompson.

Other elected officials included state Senators Martin Golden and Kevin Parker, Assemblymembers Karim Camara and Robert Rodriguez, and City Councilmembers Lew Fidler, Jessica Lappin and Domenic Recchia.

Other city officials included Robert Steel, deputy mayor for Economic Development; Seth Pinsky, Economic Development Corporation president; and Amanda Burden, director of City Planning and chair of the City Planning Commission.

Other notable attendees included Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City; Gary LaBarbera, president of the New York City Building Trades; and Mike Fishman, president of 32BJ, the building workers union.